Elwood is a unique and distinctive male given name of American origin. It is derived from the Old English name Ælfwold, which consists of two elements: "ælf" meaning elf and "wold" meaning wood. Thus, Elwood can be interpreted to mean "elf wood" or "wood of the elves." This name has a certain whimsical and enchanting quality associated with it due to its elfin origins.
The name Elwood was particularly popular in England during the Middle Ages but has since become less common. However, it experienced a brief resurgence in popularity during the 1950s in the United States. Some famous individuals bearing this name include American musician Elwood Blues (real name Dan Aykroyd), one of the main characters from The Blues Brothers film series, and Australian cricket player Elwood "Woody" Turner.
Despite its unique etymology and historical usage, Elwood remains a relatively uncommon name today. Those who bear this distinctive moniker may find that it sets them apart and makes them easily identifiable. Moreover, with its whimsical origins and rich historical background, Elwood is a name with considerable character and charm.
The name Elwood has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States. In 1921, there were 12 babies named Elwood. This number decreased to 6 in 1925 before rising again to 7 in 1927 and then fluctuating between 5 and 8 births per year until 1930, with a slight increase to 8 births in 1933. Overall, from 1921 to 1933, there were a total of 53 babies named Elwood born in the United States. This information provides insight into the popularity and consistency of the name Elwood during this period.